The canalith repositioning procedure can help relieve benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), a condition in which you have brief, but intense, episodes of dizziness that occur when you move your head. Vertigo usually comes from a problem with the part of the inner ear responsible for balance (vestibular labyrinth). BPPV occurs when tiny particles called otoconia in one part of your inner ear break loose and fall into the canals of your inner ear.

The canalith repositioning procedure can move the otoconia to a part of your ear where they won't cause dizziness. Performed in your doctor's office and at home, the canalith repositioning procedure consists of several simple head maneuvers. The procedure is quite effective, relieving vertigo in 80 percent or more of individuals after one or two treatments. However, the problem may recur.

The canalith repositioning procedure is performed to move the symptom-causing otoconia from the fluid-filled semicircular canals of your inner ear into a tiny bag-like open area (vestibule) that houses one of the otolith organs (utricle) in your ear. Once there, these particles won't cause vertigo and will likely be reabsorbed by bodily fluids in your ear.

With appropriate instruction, the canalith repositioning procedure can be done at home. For the first attempt, however, these maneuvers should always be performed under the supervision of a medical professional due to certain risks involved, such as:

Neck or back injury

Movement of the otoconia into a canal other than the utricle, which could continue to cause vertigo

Side effects, including feelings of nausea, dizziness and lightheadedness, which may require medication to relieve

Make sure you tell your doctor about any medical conditions you have, such as a neck or back condition, a detached retina, or vascular problems, before beginning the canalith repositioning procedure. You may need to delay having the canalith repositioning procedure.

There are no special preparations for the canalith repositioning procedure. Wear clothing that will allow you to move freely through each of the maneuvers.

The canalith repositioning procedure involves holding four positions for 30 seconds each after your symptoms have stopped while you hold that position. Depending on your health provider's preferences, you may wear an infrared imaging device over your eyes. This device helps your health provider examine your eyes during each maneuver. The device can help but it isn't necessary for successful treatment.

Here are the steps involved in the canalith repositioning procedure.

Step 1. First you move from a sitting to a reclining position with your head turned to the affected side by 45 degrees. Your health provider will help extend your head over the edge of the table at a slight angle.

Step 2. With your head still extended over the edge of the table, you'll be prompted to turn your head slowly away from the affected side by about 90 degrees.

Step 3. Roll onto your side. Your head should be slightly angled while you look down at the floor.

Step 4. Finally, you return carefully to a sitting position with your head tilted down and returned to the center position.

After the procedure

After the procedure, you'll need to keep the treated ear above the level of your shoulder for the rest of that day, so don't lie flat the rest of the day of treatment. At night, sleep on a slight incline with your head above your shoulders, using a few pillows. This lets the particles floating in your vestibular labyrinth settle into your utricle or be reabsorbed by your body fluids.

The next morning, following your doctor's instructions, you'll perform similar maneuvers — but without hanging your head over the edge of the bed — by yourself to check whether the procedure in the office was effective. You'll then continue those maneuvers until you can go three days without symptoms. If your vertigo continues, tell your doctor. You'll likely need to perform a version of the canalith repositioning procedure for several days before your symptoms subside.

Most of the time, people who undergo the procedure do experience relief, but there is a high recurrence rate, and it's not unusual for the condition to return within the first year after successful treatment. If the condition does return, then a repeat of the canalith repositioning procedure can be used. However, it may be necessary to repeat the procedure several times to relieve your symptoms. Talk to your doctor if your symptoms don't improve.

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